UNICEF Reports Alarming Cholera Cases Amid Water and Sanitation Crisis in Eastern and Southern Africa
UNICEF reported over 178,000 cholera cases in Eastern and Southern Africa, with significant impacts on children, due to insufficient water and sanitation services. South Sudan and Angola face acute outbreaks, with children under 15 being severely affected. UNICEF highlights the need for enhanced funding, political commitment, and investments in climate adaptation to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene access for vulnerable populations.
UNICEF has reported over 178,000 cholera cases in 16 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa between January 2024 and March 2025, resulting in nearly 2,900 fatalities, predominantly among children. The crisis is exacerbated by restricted access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, highlighting the urgent need for improved resources.
UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, emphasized the critical nature of safe water access, stating, “Access to safe water is a fundamental need, vital for the survival and development of our children, and most importantly, a human right.” The ongoing lack of sanitary facilities and infrastructure significantly contributes to the spread of cholera, particularly during extreme weather events.
South Sudan and Angola are facing the most challenging cholera outbreaks. In South Sudan, children under 15 account for 50% of cases, while in Angola, they comprise 40%. A reported 40,000 cholera cases occurred in South Sudan alone from September 2024 to March 2025, marking the nation’s worst outbreak in two decades. Angola recorded over 7,500 cases and 294 deaths during the same period, raising alarm over further deterioration.
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 120 million individuals, including 60 million children, lack access to safe drinking water in Eastern and Southern Africa. A staggering 174 million people do not have adequate hygiene facilities, and about 71 million practice open defecation. This situation is worsened by climate-induced challenges that hinder water supply infrastructure and deplete groundwater resources, thereby increasing the risk of diseases like cholera.
The health implications extend beyond individual illness; waterborne diseases deter school attendance, especially among girls during menstruation, as they are typically tasked with water procurement. UNICEF collaborates with various partners to improve access to clean water and hygiene practices, which are essential for children’s health.
In light of World Water Day, UNICEF reaffirmed its dedication to supporting vulnerable children affected by funding shortages. The organization calls upon governments to prioritize the following: adequate funding to enhance resilient water systems; high-level political commitments to improve access to water and sanitation; investments in climate adaptation strategies; and increased capacity within the WASH sector to respond effectively to emergencies.
Etleva Kadilli concluded, “Investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure is crucial for child wellbeing and offers significant cost savings, particularly in humanitarian situations.” She highlighted the importance of sustained investment in these areas to preserve the welfare of future generations.
For those interested in multimedia resources or the latest statistics regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene, additional information is available from UNICEF.
In summary, the cholera outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa underscores the profound impact of inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services on child health. UNICEF’s proactive approach, alongside calls for governmental commitment and proper funding, is crucial for addressing these ongoing crises. Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure are essential to ensure the future well-being of children in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
